Decoding Your Toyota’s Dashboard Lights: What Do They All Mean?

A modern vehicle has dozens of electronic sensors designed to make driving safer and more convenient. Many of these sensors trigger dashboard warning lights that display illuminated symbols to alert you of potential issues. But with so many different symbols, it’s easy to get confused. 

So, what do the most important Toyota dashboard lights mean, and what do you do if one appears?

Urgent Warning Signs

On Toyota vehicles, dashboard lights come in four colors: red, yellow, green, and blue. As you might expect, a red light signifies something urgent or potentially dangerous, while the others are typically informational.

Battery Warning Light

• Icon: Outline of a car battery with positive and negative terminals.
• Meaning: A potential issue with the battery, low charge, or another electronic problem.
• Action: Check the battery charge as soon as possible. If the problem persists, take the vehicle to a professional for an inspection.

Brake Warning Light

• Icon: Exclamation mark inside a circle, flanked by semicircular lines.
• Meaning: Issues with worn brake pads, low brake fluid, or air in the brake system.
• Action: Take the vehicle in for a professional inspection as soon as possible.

Coolant Temperature Warning Light

• Icon: Thermometer standing in water.
• Meaning: Potentially high engine coolant temperature.
• Action: This could be a thermostat issue or a more serious problem. See a mechanic ASAP.

Oil Pressure Warning Light

• Icon: An oil can with a drop of oil coming from the spout.
• Meaning: Low oil pressure.
• Action: Stop the vehicle immediately and contact a certified mechanic or your dealership’s service center.

Tire Pressure Warning Light

• Icon: Horseshoe-shaped symbol with an exclamation point.
• Meaning: One or more tires may have low pressure.
• Action: Check the tire pressures and inflate to the recommended PSI. Inspect for slow leaks if the warning persists.

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light

• Icon: The letters “ABS” within a circle.
• Meaning: A potential issue with the anti-lock braking system.
• Action: Your brakes will function, but the ABS system may not engage properly on slippery surfaces. Have your service center inspect the brakes as soon as possible.

Check Engine Warning Light

• Icon: Vehicle engine.
• Meaning: A potential engine malfunction, which could be caused by various issues.
• Action: Turn off the engine as soon as possible, and contact a certified mechanic or your dealership’s service center.

Master Warning Light

• Icon: Triangle with an exclamation point inside.
• Meaning: A master warning alert, which could signal various issues.
• Action: Take the vehicle to a service center for a diagnostic check to identify the specific issue.

Service Due Warning Light

• Icon: Spanner with an exclamation mark.
• Meaning: A service reminder.
• Action: Contact the service center and book an appointment as soon as possible.

What to Do Next

The above are some of the most important car dashboard symbols on your Toyota, and in most cases, they require immediate attention. If you see a check engine symbol or any other warning light, get in touch with our service department at Springhill Toyota. Our knowledgeable and friendly advisors will address your concerns and schedule a vehicle inspection if needed.

For all your Toyota needs, reach out to Springhill Toyota. Our fully equipped service center and expert technicians are ready to assist you.